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The Foundations of Conscientious Objection: Against Freedom and Autonomy

Nehushtan, Yossi; Danaher, John

Authors

John Danaher



Abstract

According to the common view, conscientious objection is grounded in autonomy or in ‘freedom of conscience’ and is tolerated out of respect for the objector's autonomy. Emphasising freedom of conscience or autonomy as a central concept within the issue of conscientious objection implies that the conscientious objector should have an independent choice among alternative beliefs, positions or values. In this paper it is argued that: (a) it is not true that the typical conscientious objector has such a choice when they decide to act upon their conscience and (b) it is not true that the typical conscientious objector exercises autonomy when developing or acquiring their conscience. Therefore, with regard to tolerating conscientious objection, we should apply the concept of autonomy with caution, as tolerating conscientious objection does not reflect respect for the conscientious objector’s right to choose but rather acknowledges their lack of real ability to choose their conscience and to refrain from acting upon their conscience. This has both normative and analytical implications for the treatment of conscientious objectors.

Acceptance Date Mar 29, 2018
Publication Date May 31, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Jurisprudence
Print ISSN 2040-3313
Publisher Routledge
Pages 541-565
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/20403313.2018.1454031
Keywords Freedom of conscience, conscientious objection, autonomy, determinism, free will
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1080/20403313.2018.1454031